The Elusive Robber (ePub)

After twenty years of rule under Charles II, England had become a lawless land. With no law enforcement, it was a time of plenty for highwaymen, footpads, cut-purses, murderers and burglers.

Tamar Ellerby, the 21year old daughter of a vicar, had always been rebellious - a tom-boy, preferring swords and pistols from an early age. Tutored by a soldier from the Civil War, Tamar became the best 'swordsman' in Northamptonshire and when her father insisted on an arranged marriage, Tamar decided to leave home, heading for London. She enjoyed the thrill of the unexpected, quickly supporting herself, using all her skills.

Gambling is proving to be ruinous for the younger son of a Yorkshire squire and Cornelius Clarkson (28 years old) is thankful when he gains the trust of the largest handler of stolen goods in the North of England, John Bannister (aged 35). Unfortunately, Clarkson becomes ever greedier, keeping some of the stolen goods for himself with the result that Bannister arranges for his arrest and subsequent hanging. Clarkson manages to escape and is intent on revenge. Following a notorious highwayman, Clarkson 'saves' Tamar Ellerby and manages to enlist her help in bringing about the downfall of Bannister.

However, Tamar cannot trust Clarkson and decides to take the necessary actions to ensure she benefits from both him and Bannister. Will she succeed….?

'The Elusive Robber' amply portrays the lives of people in 1680 England where life was cheap, poverty was widespread and a life of crime appealed to many. 'The Elusive Robber' introduces the reader to the real villainy, the real harshness, the real corruption of the times and is aimed at the adult fiction market, appealing to both men and women of all ages.